Epic Stays tips

One hundred miles east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs is the choice weekend destination of Angelenos. The Sonoran Desert oasis has seen a star-studded population; Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and most recently the Kardashians have put roots down in Old Las Palmas. Fortunately, Airbnb opens up the hot springs, hiking trails, and golf courses to us B-listers. We’re still waiting for Leo’s villa to hit the platform but until then these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Palm Springs grant a taste of the superstar lifestyle.

Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, serves as a gateway to the The Last Frontier’s vast landscapes. Located on the traditional land of the Dena’ina Athabascan people and the Native Village of Eklutna, the city is a blend of the natural Alaskan landscape and modern urban conveniences. Anchorage showcases the best of Alaska — art and culture, breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing, parks and trails, and an outstanding food scene. It also serves as an excellent base for exploring further afield. From the city, you can take multiple day trips to nearby must-see places such as Chugach State Park, the Matanuska Glacier, and the resort town of Girdwood. Due to the wealth of things to do in and around Anchorage, it’s worth spending at least three, if not more, days here. When it comes to planning accommodation, consider booking a self-catering option such as an Airbnb. This will give you a home base where you can kick off your muddy boots after a day exploring, prepare a home-cooked meal, and have a more local experience of Alaska. The Airbnb Anchorage rentals listed here range from cabins in the nearby forests, chic downtown apartments suitable for couples, to large townhouses for groups or families. All have Superhost status, five-star reviews from past guests, and promise an unforgettable vacation to the state.

New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has flown under the radar since earning its designation at the end of 2020. Carved by the New River and framed by sheer sandstone canyons, rafting and climbing have propelled tourism in this part of West Virginia. Hiking, biking, fishing, and golfing are also on the table while leashed dogs are permitted on the trails. A longer trip can be supplemented by exploring the neighboring Hawks Nest and Babcock state parks.

The past year has seen a flurry of cabins crop up near the shores of Broken Bow Lake in southeast Oklahoma. Cloaked in pine and pawpaw trees, this rural region likely has a higher permanent population of black bears and bald eagles than people. Fishing, hiking, and boating have maintained steady tourism but the recent boom in new chalets has put the teensy hamlet of Hochatown on the map, literally. Airbnb is credited with creating this vacation bubble in the aftermath of the pandemic as travelers in OK and TX seek countryside getaways closer to home.

JOHN F. KENNEDY International Airport is a beacon from America’s largest city to the world. Located in Queens, New York, not far from Rockaway Beach and Arthur Ashe Stadium, the airport is a major hub for flights across the Atlantic, as well as continental flights in all directions. Due to its urban location, there is no defined “airport hotel village” at JFK like there is for hotels near the Denver airport – but that doesn’t mean there aren’t great hotels near JFK Airport. These are the most convenient JFK Airport hotels with the best amenities and overall experience, whether you’re simply looking for an overnight before or after a long travel day or are in town for a few days and want to stay near the airport.

Despite Whistler being one of the most popular and the largest ski resorts in North America, the mountain town is a year-round destination. In summer, it transforms into a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Downhill mountain biking is a popular activity, and the outstanding natural beauty of the area makes it a top green tourism destination. The mountain culture extends from the village, too. You can SUP it on Nita Lake, fly fish on Green Lake, enjoy the beautiful hiking trails, or catch a glimpse of black bears from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Regardless of what time of year you’re planning a trip, accommodation in Whistler books up far in advance and can be costly. There are a couple of solutions here. The first is to opt for a self-catering option, such as one of the many Airbnb Whistler rentals. The second is to gather a group of friends and family and split the cost. Some of the Airbnbs listed here are ski-in/ski-out rentals. Others have sprawling deck areas perfect for summertime grilling. All have rave reviews, Superhost status, and every amenity you need for an unforgettable trip to Whistler.

Located in the heart of Lecce, in southeastern Italy, the Pollicastro Boutique Hotel offers a blend of history, luxury, and Italian charm. This romantic 4-star boutique hotel is renowned for its distinctive rooms and suites, particularly the Grand Deluxe Nymphaeum Suite, which comes equipped with its very own grotto pool.

“Adventurous” is a key adjective to describe the vibes inside the historic but revitalized El Capitan Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Merced, California. This hotel features 114 guestrooms — including three one-bedroom suites and nine junior suites set amongst a restored “Arbor Lane” Wing and a brand new “Main Street” Wing.

There’s nothing like a glowing review to persuade you to confirm your next getaway. Airbnb’s latest update filters out the top-rated listings based on genuine reviews and makes it even easier to book with confidence. Luring in over 14 million tourists per year with its concert halls and honky tonks, Nashville, Tennessee, is as good a place as any to weed out the best rentals on the platform. It’s little wonder these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Nashville have everyone returning for an encore in Music City.

Hotel Grand Stark is a boutique, pet-friendly hotel property sitting in Portland’s eclectic Central Eastside neighborhood. The hotel is tucked away outside the glitz and bustle of the central business district area mirrored across the Willamette River (still easily accessible to downtown landmarks) but is just as sophisticated of a spot to spend the night. This revamped, historic hotel is an elegant and independent space, with walkability to many of the East Side’s top attractions.

Southern California has a distinctive atmosphere. Sun, beach, ocean, and no shortage of experiences that get you out into all three make any trip to the state memorable. That’s seen perfectly in Oxnard at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, a Curio Collection Hotel by Hilton.

When I arrived at the Hyatt Regency San Francisco from the Ferry Building trying to find the entrance, I underestimated how large it was. I got lost looking for the lobby to check in, and it turned out that it was two floors above street level. I pressed the elevator button, which transported me to one of the largest and most futuristic lobbies I’ve ever seen.

If there’s a city that’ll have you daydreaming about relocating to, it’s San Diego. With winter temperatures rarely dipping below 50°F, these beaches, parks, and oceanfront grills may be enjoyed year-round. Travelers who prefer to unwind with a bud rather than a beer are in luck; recreational cannabis is legal in California and San Diego has as many marijuana dispensaries as food trucks. That so, it’s not permitted to smoke in public areas or at hotels with smoking or vaping bans. Light up in the privacy of one of these cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in San Diego with outdoor space.

The French Riviera is the strip of the Mediterranean coast that stretches from the town of Hyères to Menton, and the jewel in the crown that is the Azure Coast is the city of Nice. Famous for its sunshine, lively markets, colorful buildings, lovely beaches, and for being a celebrity magnet, Nice is also a good base for visiting the region. From there, you can take a quick train to Monaco, Cannes, or a longer trip to very chic St. Tropez. To make your trip to the Mediterranean a vacation to remember, book one of the best hotels in Nice, France, some of which have views and decors that will blow your socks off.

Holiday tradition usually dictates staying home for a large gathering with the extended family. But celebrating away can be an exciting prospect. You might not think it, but spending the holidays somewhere else can be much less stressful than hosting or staying with relatives. A vacation rental provides a neutral territory and a much-needed break from your normal holiday routine. All you need to do is to choose a festive place to go. A good place to start is with the country’s most popular Christmas cities. New York City, Santa Claus, Williamsburg, Park City, and Santa Barbara are the most sought-after destinations in the US for the holidays, and these are the best family-friendly Christmas Airbnbs perfect for a Yuletide gathering.

Nice is one of the most popular holiday destinations on the French Riviera. The Côte d’Azur city lies on the Baie des Anges, 20 miles from the Italian border. This means not only can you cross the border for a day trip, but Nice also has a distinct hybrid culture of French and Italian influence. It has a pleasant year-round climate and is the second-largest French city on the Mediterranean coast. It is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe and a charming Old Town with quaint streets lined with colorful buildings, shops, and galleries. The gritty, yet opulent city has attracted many famous artists over the years and is a haven for foodies.

Imagine waking up to gorgeous lake views surrounded by misty mountains and trees lining the horizon as far as the eye can see. That’s the magic of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, where I recently spent a cozy retreat to welcome the fall season. Coming from the scorching heat of Phoenix, Arizona, my lungs craved the crisp morning air, while the desert girl in me relished and autumnal mountain hues — and I soaked it all in from the private balcony of an alpine lodge on the shores of Pyramid Lake.

Northern California is the powerhouse behind the Golden State’s world-renowned wines but that fertile soil also lends itself to something greener. Recreational marijuana is legal throughout California as long as consumption takes place on private property. Smoking, vaping, and edibles aren’t permitted in many hotels in San Francisco but you can bring any dispensary purchases back to a boutique number of downtown SF Airbnb rentals and county hemp farms. Let’s weed out the cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in and around San Francisco for some above-board hashish.

The Statue of Liberty, an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, stands proudly in New York Harbor, welcoming visitors from around the world to the United States. This colossal neoclassical sculpture was a gift from the people of France to the United States in 1886, commemorating the centennial of American independence and the enduring alliance between the two nations. These Airbnbs near the Statue of Liberty provide views and easy access.

Mumbai, also referred to as Bombay, is India’s largest city. This densely populated, buzzing metropolis located on India’s west coast is rich in both history and culture. Can’t-miss experiences include the lineup of tasty street food markets, bustling bazaars, and iconic landmarks — like the Gateway of India and the Elephanta Caves.

Philadelphia’s grand history and bustling urban atmosphere make it a fantastic location to explore for any style getaway. From its impressive lineup of awe-inspiring museums, lush parks, inspiring national historic sites, and vibrant dining scene, there’s something to do in the city for everyone. Here’s where to spend the night while exploring the City of Brotherly Love.